NOAA has prepared a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed actions of boundary expansion, and application of existing regulations and management plan actions to new geographic areas of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.

Intent to Conduct Scoping and Prepare a Draft Environmental Assessment for Changes in Regulations for Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries

Pursuant to a request from USCG, NOAA is considering developing future rulemaking to allow the following USCG discharges within part or all of GFNMS and CBNMS: 1) untreated vessel sewage, 2) vessel graywater that does not meet the definition of clean as defined by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), and 3) ammunition and pyrotechnics (flare) materials used in USCG training exercises for use of force and search and rescue. NOAA will conduct public scoping, including public meetings, to gather information and other comments to determine the relevant scope of issues and range of alternatives to be addressed in the environmental process from individuals, organizations, tribes, and government agencies on this topic.

Initiation of Review of Management Plan and Regulations of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Intent
To Conduct Scoping and Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan

ONMS is initiating a review of the MBNMS management plan and will conduct public scoping meetings to gather information and input on the scope, types and significance of issues related to the sanctuary's management plan and regulations.

NOAA has published a notice requesting comments on the methods, formulas, and rationale for the calculations it will use in order to assess fees associated with special use permits (SUPs). Comments must be received on or before October 6, 2015.

Expansion of Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, and Regulatory Changes; Name Change

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is providing notice that the final rule published on March 12, 2015 (80 FR 13078) became effective on June 9, 2015. NOAA is also changing the name of Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary to Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.

An application for permit approval has been submitted to construct and operate a seawater reverse osmosis desalination facility and colocated seawater-cooled 150-megawatt computer data center campus project at Moss Landing, Monterey County, California, within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). The permit review process will be conducted concurrently with a public process conducted pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). NOAA is soliciting information and comments on the range and significance of issues related to the project proposed within MBNMS boundaries.

On February 19, 2015, NOAA finalized regulations that prohibit the introduction of introduced species into the state waters of Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries (80 FR 8778). Those regulations became effective on May 15, 2015.

NOAA is requesting comments until June 19, 2015 on the proposed expansion of of the geographic area and scope of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary as well as related regulatory changes.

NOAA is requesting comments until June 19, 2015 on the proposed expansion of of the geographic area and scope of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary as well as related regulatory changes.

Expansion of Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, and Regulatory Changes; Final Rule

NOAA is expanding the boundaries of Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary to an area north and west of their current boundaries. As part of this action, NOAA is revising the terms of designation, management plans, and regulations for these two sanctuaries.

NOAA published a final rule to expand the boundary of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, clarify the correlation between TBNMS regulations and Indian tribal fishing activities, and revise the corresponding sanctuary terms of designation on September 5, 2014 (79 FR 52960). Through this notification, NOAA is announcing the regulations became effective on February 3, 2015.

NOAA is reinstating missing paragraphs of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary regulations that pertain to the issuance of permits, which were inadvertently excluded in the publication of a November 2011 final rule revising OCNMS permitting regulations.

Final Environmental Impact Statement for Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries Expansion

This final environmental impact statement provides detailed information and analysis of a range of reasonable alternatives for a proposed boundary expansion, and other regulatory changes to these sanctuaries.

This final rule makes administrative and procedural changes to the applicable regulations with corrected addresses and fax numbers because the offices of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument have moved.

NOAA has updated the regulations and management plan for Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. The regulations are revised to clarify the prohibition on anchoring and add an exemption to allow the use of weighted marker buoys that are continuously tended by vessel operators during otherwise lawful fishing or diving activities, not attached to a vessel, and not capable of holding a boat at anchor. A revised management plan outlining management priorities for GRNMS for the next 5-10 years has also been prepared.

This final rule re-establishes the process for communities to nominate nationally significant areas of the marine and Great Lakes environments as national marine sanctuaries. The rule includes the final process, criteria, and management considerations that NOAA will use to evaluate community nominations for inclusion in the inventory of areas that could be considered for designation as national marine sanctuaries.

Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Regulations on Introduced Species

On March 27, 2014, NOAA proposed to amend an earlier proposed rule (from March 2013) to allow GFNMS and MBNMS to authorize certain introduced species of shellfish from commercial mariculture projects in all state waters of the sanctuaries. The comment period on this amendment closed on April 11, 2014. NOAA is re-opening the public comment period until May 5, 2014.

Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Regulations on Introduced Species

On March 18, 2013 (78 FR 16622), NOAA proposed to prohibit the introduction of introduced species into the state waters of Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries (GFNMS and MBNMS). The proposed prohibition included exceptions for the catch and release of striped bass and for introduced species as part of mariculture activities in the Tomales Bay region of GFNMS. NOAA is now amending the March 2013 proposed rule to allow GFNMS and MBNMS to authorize certain introduced species of shellfish from commercial mariculture projects in all state waters of the sanctuaries, including Tomales Bay. This notice reopens the public comment period to consider this amendment. Comments will be accepted until April 11, 2014.

Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment of Potential White Shark Research and Education Projects in the Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries

NOAA has developed a draft programmatic environmental assessment (PEA) to analyze the potential impacts of anticipated research and education projects in the next five years and that may have the potential to affect White Sharks within Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and the northern portion of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary

NOAA is soliciting public comments on potential amendment to the regulations regarding anchoring and the use of small weighted marker buoys for diving or fishing in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA is also soliciting comments on a draft management plan and environmental assessment. Public comments are accepted until February 10, 2014.

On June 14, 2013, NOAA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to revise the regulations for the boundary of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (78 FR 35776). On August 15, NOAA re- opened the comment period until October 18, 2013 (78 FR 49700). On October 28, NOAA re-opened the comment period until November 27 (78 FR 64186). This notice re-opens the public comment period stated in the June 14, 2013 proposed rule until December 19, 2013.

On June 14, 2013, NOAA
published a proposed rule in the
Federal Register to revise the
regulations for the boundary of the
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
(78 FR 35776). On August 15, NOAA re-
opened the comment period until
October 18, 2013 (78 FR 49700). This
notice re-opens the public comment
period stated in the June 14, 2013
proposed rule until November 27, 2013.

On June 14, 2013, NOAA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to revise the regulations for the boundary of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (78 FR 35776). This notice reopens the public comment period stated in that proposed rule until October 18, 2013.

NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to re-establish the sanctuary nomination process. NOAA is also proposing to amend its regulations governing the process for nominating and evaluating sites for eligibility as a national marine sanctuary. This action would replace the currently inactive Sanctuary Evaluation List (SEL) with a new process for local communities and other interested parties to provide NOAA with robust, criteria-driven proposals for new national marine sanctuaries. Comments will be considered if received on or before August 27, 2013.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Withdrawal. Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey
Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Regulations on Introduced Species.

NOAA is soliciting public comments on potential withdrawal of a notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Federal Register on October 1, 2009 (74 FR 50740) concerning regulations on the introduction of introduced species into Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries. Public comments are accepted until May 17, 2013.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey
Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Regulations on Introduced Species.

NOAA is soliciting public comments on potential amendment to the terms of designation and regulations regarding the introduction of introduced species into Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries (GFNMS and MBNMS, respectively). Public comments are accepted until May 17, 2013.

NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to amend the program regulations of the national marine sanctuaries. The rule would update and reorganize the existing regulations, eliminate redundancies across sanctuaries, eliminate outmoded regulations, adopt standard boundary descriptions, and consolidate general and permitting procedures. Comments will be considered if received on or before March 29, 2013.

Notice of Applicability of Special Use Permit Requirements to Certain Categories of Activities Conducted Within the National Marine Sanctuary System

NOAA is seeking public comment on the proposal to revise three of the five existing categories of special use permits and to add two new categories of special use permits: recreational diving near the USS Monitor and fireworks displays.

Expansion of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Regulatory
Changes, and Sanctuary Name Change; Final Rule

NOAA is adding five additional discrete geographical areas to the sanctuary and changing the name of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. NOAA also is amending existing sanctuary regulations and applying these regulations to activities in the sanctuary.

NOAA published a final rule for Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule contains regulatory amendments pertaining to the protection of rays and whale sharks, the requirement to use flags when diving from a vessel in the sanctuary, clarifications on the discharge prohibition, and various technical changes. An environmental assessment was prepared for this action.

Notice of Intent to Prepare an EA or DEIS for amending the Zoning Scheme and Regulations for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Fish and Wildlife Service and State of Florida Management Agreement

NOAA seeks comments on the consideration of zoning scheme and regulations for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Fish and Wildlife Service and State of Florida Management Agreement for Submerged Lands within Boundaries of the Key West and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuges and Regulations

Overflight Regulations for the Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, Gulf of
the Farallones, and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuaries

NOAA has published revised regulations for the Channel Islands,
Monterey Bay, Gulf of the Farallones, and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuaries,
that require that motorized aircraft maintain certain minimum altitudes above specified
locations within the boundaries of the listed sanctuaries. In addition, the regulations state
that failure to comply with these altitude limits is presumed to disturb marine mammals
and seabirds and is a violation of the sanctuary regulations.

Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulatory Revisions - Extension of Public Comment Period

: On October 21, 2011, NOAA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to revise the regulations for the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (76 FR 65566). This notice re-opens the public comment period stated in that proposed rule until March 9, 2012.

NOAA published a final rule and a final revised management plan for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule revises the regulations to prohibit wastewater discharges from cruise ships; updates the language referring to tribal welfare considerations when issuing permits; corrects the size of the sanctuary based on new area estimates (without revising the sanctuary's actual boundaries). An environmental assessment was developed for this action.

Expansion of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Regulatory Changes, and Sanctuary Name Change

NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to add five additional discrete geographical areas to the sanctuary and change the name of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the American Samoa National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA also proposes to amend existing sanctuary regulations and apply these regulations to activities in the sanctuary. Comments will be considered if received on or before January 6, 2012.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is creating a research area within Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS, or sanctuary). A research area is a region specifically designed for conducting controlled scientific studies in the absence of certain human activities that could affect the results. NOAA is prohibiting fishing, diving, and stopping a vessel in the research area.

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) has developed final policy and permitting guidance for submarine cable projects proposed in national marine sanctuaries. This action identifies the criteria the ONMS will use to ensure that applications to install and maintain submarine cables in sanctuaries are reviewed consistently and in a manner that adheres to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and ONMS regulations (15 CFR Part 922).

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Regulatory Revisions - Extension of Public Comment Period

On January 14, 2011, NOAA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to revise the regulations for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (76 FR 2611). This notice extends the public comment period stated in that proposed rule by an additional 10 days, until March 25, 2011.

NOAA has released a proposed rule to revise regulations in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary as a result of the management plan review process. Comments on the proposed rule will be considered if received on or before March 25, 2011. **Note that the Federal Register incorrectly states that the comment period closes on March 15, 2011, and will post a correction notice in the near future.

NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to amend sanctuary regulations regarding low overflights in Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, Gulf of the Farallones, and Olympic Coast national marine sanctuaries. The public comment period on the proposed rule published at 75 FR 76319, December 8, 2010, will be extended an additional 30 days from the original due date of January 7, 2011. Comments will be accepted through February 7, 2011.

NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to amend sanctuary regulations regarding low overflights in Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, Gulf of the Farallones, and Olympic Coast national marine sanctuaries. Comments will be considered if received on or before January 7, 2011.

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has released a final rule amending the regulations for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (sanctuary) by eliminating the exemption that allows discharges from within the boundary of the sanctuary of biodegradable effluent incidental to vessel use and generated by marine sanitation devices (MSDs), and by requiring that MSDs be secured to prevent discharges of treated and untreated sewage. An environmental assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact has been prepared for this action.

NOAA is soliciting public comment on the draft environmental assessment for a Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Permit Application for White Shark Research. Comments will be considered if received on or before October 15, 2010.

Proposed Research Area Within the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary

NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to create a research area within the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. A draft environmental impact statement was also prepared. Comments will be considered if received on or before December 13, 2010.

On November 20, 2008, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a final rule in the Federal Register for the Gulf of the Farallones, Monterey Bay and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries (referred to jointly as the joint management plan review or JMPR). Some sets of coordinates in that final rule contained technical errors or omissions that need to be corrected for the zones to be properly mapped. Other minor corrections are also included in this rule.

ONMS is initiating a review of the HIHWNMS management plan and is organizing public scoping meetings to gather information and input on the scope, types and significance of issues related to the sanctuary's management plan and regulations.

Intent To Initiate Consultation and Coordinate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Responsibilities Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) With the Ongoing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Process Supporting the Review of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan

This document expresses NOAA's intent to conduct consultation under Section 106 of the NHPA in conjunction with Review of Management Plan/ Regulations and associated NEPA public process.

Technical Correction for Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations on the Use of Spearfishing Gear

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a document in the Federal Register on February 19, 2010 (75 FR 7361) on the use and possession of spearfishing gear in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. That document was inadvertently missing a word in 922.92(a)(11)(iii). This document corrects the final regulations by revising that section.

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations on the Use of Spearfishing Gear

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has released a final rule to prohibit the use of spearfishing gear in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Possession of spearfishing gear is also prohibited except for vessels passing through the sanctuary without interruption, and only when the gear is stowed and not available for immediate use. An environmental assessment was developed for this action.

NOAA proposes to amend the regulations implementing the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS or sanctuary) to eliminate the exemption that allows discharges of biodegradable effluent incidental to vessel use and generated by marine sanitation devices, and to require marine sanitation devices be locked to prevent discharges.

Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries Regulations on Introduced Species

NOAA is soliciting public comment on a proposed rule to revise regulations on introduced species into the Gulf of the Farallones and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries. In response to a letter from the Governor of California, NOAA is proposing to modify its regulations to except all State-permitted aquaculture activities in the two sanctuaries. Comments must be received by November 16, 2009.

NOAA publishes this final rule for certain regulations for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule makes technical corrections and modifications to several areas in the regulations.

Notice of Availability of the Draft Monument Natural Resources Science Plan; Announcement of Public Meetings; Request for Comments.

This notice advises the public that NOAA, FWS, and the State of Hawai'i's Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs have prepared a draft monument natural resources science plan for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. The plan describes the monument's ongoing and proposed research activities and is available for public review and comment. Two public meetings are scheduled, and comments will be considered if received on or before August 10, 2009.

NOAA is proposing interim policy and permit guidance for submarine cable projects proposed in national marine sanctuaries. This action identifies the criteria the ONMS will use to ensure that applications to install and maintain submarine cables in sanctuaries are reviewed consistently and in a manner that adheres to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and ONMS regulations (15 CFR part 922).

NOAA published a final revised management plan and revised regulations for the Gulf of the Farallones, Monterey Bay, and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries (GFNMS, MBNMS and CBNMS, respectively) on November 20, 2008 (73 FR 70488). Under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the final regulations automatically take effect after 45 days of continuous session of Congress beginning on November 20, 2008. During that interim, we received an objection from the Governor of California concerning provisions that would have prohibited introduction of introduced species in the state waters of GFNMS and MBNMS. Through this notice, NOAA is announcing the regulations for the CBNMS and GFNMS became effective on March 9, 2009 in their entirety; and the regulations for the MBNMS also became effective on March 9, 2009, except the one prohibiting the introduction of introduced species in the state waters of MBNMS.

NOAA published a final revised management plan and revised regulations for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) January 16, 2009 (74 FR 3216). Under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the final regulations automatically take effect after 45 days of continuous session of Congress beginning on January 16, 2009. This document provides notice of the effective date, March 19, 2009.

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Regulations on the Use of Spearfishing Gear

NOAA is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule to regulate the use of spearfishing gear in the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. A draft environmental assessment was also prepared. Comments will be considered if received on or before May 4, 2009.

Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Notice of Public Availability and Meetings

NOAA is soliciting public comment on the draft management plan and draft environmental assessment for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Comments on the draft management plan and draft environmental impact statement will be accepted through April10, 2009.

ONMS is initiating a review of the FBNMS management plan and to conduct public scoping meetings to gather information and input on the scope, types and significance of issues related to the sanctuary's management plan and regulations, and possible site expansion (including expansion to include the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument designated on January 6, 2009).

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has published a rule to finalize the regulations for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule revises the regulations to implement several new prohibitions, makes additional changes to the grammar and wording of several sections of the regulations to ensure clarity, and publishes the sanctuary's revised terms of designation.

: The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Management Plan and environmental assessment are available. NOAA and Fish and Wildlife Service developed separate findings of no significant impact to address each agency's Marine Mammal Protection Act findings. These are also available.

: NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has published the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) as part of the management plan implementation for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary for Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), NOAA's 30-day wait period will end on January 5, 2009.

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has published the Final environmental impact statement (FEIS) as part of the Joint Management Plan Review (JMPR) for the Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries. NOAA's 30-day cooling off period will end on October 26, 2008.

ONMS is initiating a review of the OCNMS management plan and is organizing public scoping meetings to gather information and input on the scope, types and significance of issues related to the sanctuary's management plan and regulations.

Conducting Consultations Pursuant to Section 304(d) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act

NOAA solicits comments on the development of regulations implementing certain aspects of section 304(d) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. NOAA is accepting public comments through October 31, 2008.

Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary: Notice of Public Availability and Meetings

In accordance with section 304(e) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, as amended, (NMSA) NOAA is soliciting public comment on the draft management plan and environmental assessment for the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen bank National Marine Sanctuary

Notice of Availability of Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment and Announcement of Public Meetings for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

This notice advises the public that NOAA, FWS, and the State
of Hawai`i's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and
Office of Hawaiian Affairs have prepared a Draft Monument Management
Plan (MMP) and associated environmental assessment (EA) for the
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (Monument) located in the
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

Revisions to Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Regulations

This proposed rule addresses treated sewage discharges from vessels 300 gross registered tons or greater in the Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries, and in the case of Monterey Bay limits graywater discharges.

Publication of the New U.S. World Heritage Tentative List: 15-Day Notice of Opportunity for Public Comment on Proposed Initial U.S. Nominations to the World Heritage List.

This notice constitutes the official publication of the new U.S. World Heritage Tentative List and provides a First Notice for the public to comment on proposed initial U.S. nominations from the new Tentative List to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

ONMS is initiating a review of the FGBNMS management plan and is organizing public scoping meetings to gather information and input on the scope, types and significance of issues related to the sanctuary's management plan and regulations.

Amendments to the Area To Be Avoided Off The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary

Amends the existing Area to be Avoided off the Washington Coast to include allvessels of 1,600 gross tons and above solely in transit in accordance with the International Maritime OrganizationÌs adoption of MSC 75/24, para 6.7.4 on May 29, 2002.

Notice of Applicability of Special Use Permit Requirements to Certain Categories of Activities Conducted Within the National Marine Sanctuary System.

Provides notice of the applicability of the special use permitting requirements of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to certain categories of activities in accordance with the 2000 amendments to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (PL 106-513).

Revisions to Anchoring Prohibitions in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Amends the anchoring regulations for the Flower Garden Banks NMS to conform the regulations to anchoring prohibitions adopted by the International Maritime Organization, at its December 6, 2000 meeting.

Revisions to Anchoring Prohibitions in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Proposes to amend the anchoring regulations for the Flower Garden Banks NMS to conform the regulations to anchoring prohibitions adopted by the International Maritime Organization, at its December 6, 2000 meeting.

Amendments to the Area To Be Avoided Off the Olympic CoastNational Marine Sanctuary

Provides public notice of NOAAÌs intent to request the International Maritime Organization to extend the the existing area to be avoided off the Washington Coast to include all vessels of 1,600 gross tons and above solely in transit and to increase the size of the ATBA to reflect changes in the adjacent Strait of Juan de Fuca traffic separation scheme.

Boundary Changes in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary; Addition of Stetson Bank and Technical Corrections; Final Rule

Modifes the boundaries for the Flower Garden Banks NMS to include Stetson Bank, which was added to the Flower Garden Banks NMS by Congress through the 1996 amendments to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (PL 104-283).

Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act language of the proposed rule to expand the boudnaries of the Florida Keys NMS to include the Tortugas Ecological Reserve to include information about the certification burden estimate.

Regulation of the Operation of Motorized Personal Watercraft in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

Withdraws the previous proposed rule that proposed to ban the use of motorized personal watercraft within 1000 yards of the shoreline (64 FR 19945) in the Gulf of the Farallones NMS. This notice proposes to ban the use of motorized personal watercraft within the entire Gulf of the Farallones NMS.

Modifies the regulations for the Hawaiian Islands NMS in response to State of Hawaii concerns and comments. This notice also provides notice of the December 29, 1999 effective date for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale NMS regulations.

Announcement of Thunder Bay (MI) as an Active Candidate for Designation as a National Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan

Withdraws the Northwest Straits from consideration as an Active Candidate for designation asa National Marine Sanctuary. Congress directed NOAA to prepare a designation prospectus on Northwest Straits in 1988 and the site became an Active Candidate. For reasons related todesignation guidance contained in the 1996 reauthorization of the National Marine Sanctuary Act (NMSA), the findings of a Congressionally-convened Northwest Straits Citizens Advisory Commission, and limited agency resources, NOAA is discontinuing consideration of the site for possible designation as a national marine sanctuary.

Amends the regulations for the Monterey Bay NMS to allow the delegation of the authority to object to or impose terms or conditions on the exercise of any valid lease, permit, license, approval or other authorization issued after January 1, 1993 (the effective date of the MBNMS designation) from the Director of the Office of Ocean and Coastal ResourceManagement (Director) to other Federal officials below the Director's level; for example, the Sanctuary Manager.

Modifies the regulations for the Florida Keys NMS in response to State of Florida concerns and comments. This notice also provides notice of the July 1, 1997 effective date for the Florida Keys NMS regulations.

Issues final regulations and management plan for the Florida Keys NMS which was designated by Congress under the Flordia Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act in 1990. This notice also removes the regulations for Looe Key and Key Largo NMSs.

Regulation to Prohibit the Attraction of White Sharks in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Clarification of Exception to Discharge Prohibition; Public Hearing

Provides notice of a public hearing on the proposed rule to prohibit attracting white sharks within 3 miles of shore in the Monterey Bay NMS. The public hearing was held on Friday, March 1, 1996, at the El Grenada Elementary School, 400 Santiago Avenue, El Grenada, California.

Notifies the public that the Coast Guard had submitted a proposal to the International Maritime Organization to establish for an Area to be Avoided off the Florida Keys. ATBA applies to vessels greater than 50 meters in length.

Announcement of Washington State Nearshore (Northern Puget Sound) as an Active Candidate for National Marine Sanctuary Designation; Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan; Intent to Hold Public Scoping Meetings

Annoucnes Washington State Nearshore (Northern Puget Sounds) as an active candidate for NMS designation and NOAA's intent to prepare an EIS and management plan.

Announcement of Stellwagen Bank (MA) as an Active Candidate for Designation as a National Marine Sanctuary; Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan; Public Scoping Meetings

Places Stellwagen Bank on the List of Active Candidates and begins the process to designate it as a NMS.

Announcement of Monterey Bay, CA As An Active Candidate for National Marine Sanctuary Designation; Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan; Intent to Hold Public Scoping Meetings on the Proposal To Designate Monterey Bay as a National Marine Sanctuary

By direction of Congress (P.L. 100-627), NOAA adds Monterey Bay to the List of Active Candidates and bgins the process to designate it as a NMS.

Revises NMSP general regulations to reflect Marine Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 1984 (P.L. 98-498). The changes include revised criteria for eligibility of sites for NMS designation and procedures for NMS designation.

Proposes revisions to the NMSP general regulations to implement the National Marine Sanctuary Amendments of 1884 (PL 98-498). The proposed changes include revised criteria for eligibility of sites for NMS designation and procedures for NMS designation.

Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan for a Possible National Marine Sanctuary of Norfolk Canyon; Announcement of Norfolk Canyon as an Active Candidate and Suspension of Ten Fathom Ledge/Big Rock From Consideration as a National Marine Sanctuary

Adds Norfolk Canyon to the List of Active Candidates and drops Ten Fathom Ledge/Big Rock due to backlog of active candidates.

Makes minor changes to the permitting regulations for designated NMSs to include language indicating that the information collection requirements have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (approval number 0648-0141).

Announcement of Three Areas Off Puerto Rico as Active Candidates for Marine Sanctuary Designation

Selects three sites from the List of Recommended Areas around Puerto Rico for inclusion on the List of Active Candidates. The waters around Mona and Monita Islands, the area off southwest Puerto Rico known as La Parguera and the waters around Culebra/Culebrita Islands and the Cordillera reef chain off northwest Puerto Rico were included.

This notice published the final rule revising the NMSP regulations. Changes include modifications to the process for recommending sites for designation, the criteria for the selection of new sites, description of the designation document, and the enforcement of sanctuary regulations against foreign nationals.

This notice publishes proposed revisions to the general program regulations for reviewing recommended sites for designation, expands upon the criteria for the selection of new sites, refines description of the designation document, and clarifies the enforcement of sanctuary regulations against foreign nationals.

This notice published the proposed regulations enacting PL 92-532 (Title III of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act) under 15 CFR 922. The original regulations dealt exclusively with the marine sanctuary designation process